THE big ROCK

[m7040]

This is the biggest Rock I have managed to dig out with the FEL. Had to move a lot of dirt on three sides to push it out. Then push it a little and backfill behind it to get a better angle of attack. Damaged the brush guard in the process when the tractor slipped down in the hole and hit the rock. It is now bent back some. So will have to take it off to straigten it. Just wanted to share this experience and show it is possible to move big rocks.

 

[Thomas]

You folks also grow big rocks down there like we do up here.

Battle scar...but you won the battle and that's what counts.

 

[Timber]

Well that is what the guard is there for. Be glad you had one

 

[hunterridgefarm]

Big Rock! What are your plans for it..landscaping?

 

[m7040]

Not sure yet what to use it for. In the meantime it can rest in the rock fence at the edge of this field. I have three or four more to dig out however the ground is frozen now and will have to wait for spring I think to tackle them. Anyway it was fun always love a tractor challenge. What could'nt I do with a dozer??

 

[ewoz]

THE big rock is right!

 

[Glowplug]

More accurate may be the "Ginormous" rock! I don't think I'd even consider tackling that thing with my M7040. I guess we all know it's possible now. That makes me feel better about a job I was considering. I've got a huge stump beside my house that's been there since we built the house 3 years ago. I can't wait to conquer it now. Of course, I'll have to wait until my tractor gets back from the hospital after getting his broken foot fixed. (See thread: Oh no!!! Flat tire already!!! That IS a good thing you had the grille guard on. If not, you'd have a bent grill, or even worse!!

 

[johnk]

Take your time and anythiing is possible. That stump will come out and you'll have the satisfaction and memories that you did it yourself. Common sense and slow and you'll get the job done. Pics when you're finished..

 

[Glowplug]

Take your time and anythiing is possible. That stump will come out and you'll have the satisfaction and memories that you did it yourself. Common sense and slow and you'll get the job done. Pics when you're finished..

Well. . .the stump's already been uprooted. It was done with a big dozer when the house was being built. But it's got a huge rootball and trunk. Originally it was a whole tree (I guess that's obvious) that they just left laying over in the yard. I have sawed it up and carried it off in pieces over time. Now I'm left with a big rootball and very large trunk.

Pics when you're finished..

You bet!!

 

[Bob_Young]

Big Rock? Welll Yeah! That's what the M-series is for. We expect things like this from M7040 owners. In fact, it's a requirement.

Now if you'd dug it out and moved it with a BX24......

Just kidding! Good job! Getting that monster dug out and where you want it, is impressive no matter how big your tractor.
Bob

 

[m7040]

I was very impressed with the performance of the 4-in-one bucket this weekend when digging out the Rock and digging a ramp over a stream on the property. The Kubota bucket has already a few dings in it from handling rocks but this Bradco bucket is very sturdy and is holding up very well. The teeth on the bucket are welded on with replaceable inserts and they make short work out of digging. Do not yet have the CI wheels that the dealer will install hopefully soon but with fill in the tires and the 2000 lbs ballast box on the 3 point there is virtually no wheel slip at all and I am able to fill the bucket to overflow condition on each pass. The system I use to dig out a big rock is to use the FEL to make a 7 to 8 ft wide ramp on three sides and 6 to 8 ft deep at the rock. Then nudge it and moved it a little up one of the ramps. Start to back fill behind it and keep moving it up the ramp untill at ground level. Once at ground level it is easy to use the back blade of the bucket as a dozer and push it out of the way.

 

[andover farmer]

THANK GOODNESS FOR THOSE BRUSH GUARDS!
HATE TO SEE WHAT YOUR COWL WOULD HAVE LOOKED LIKE IF THE GUARD WASN'T THERE!

 

[m7040]

Will try to heat the frame of the brush guard and straighten it out. It is very thick so will take some work. Have a rosebud for the Victor torch that may be able to heat it and then may be use the hydaulic press. Need to think about how to best do it. Also the tab welded to the side broke off so need to find a piece of steel to weld back on and then repaint it.

 

[john_bud]

Was there any chance of picking it up? Trying to guess the weight.

jb

 

[m7040]

No way to lift this. It must be way over 10,000 lbs. Can push it or roll it only

 

[Glowplug]

No way to lift this. It must be way over 10,000 lbs. Can push it or roll it only

Heck, I could lift that thing easy with MY tractor. I could probably lift it even without a tractor. All I would need is a case of dynamite. Then blow it into about 500 20 lb. rocks and just carry them off one at a time!